Google Maps is the digital front door for Perth restaurants, cafés, and bars. When hungry customers search for “best pizza near me” or “Perth waterfront dining,” they’re presented with a map of local venues, photos, reviews, and key details—all powered by Google Maps. Optimizing your Google Maps presence isn’t just about being found; it’s about converting casual browsers into booked tables.
According to a 2024 Google study, 76% of people who search for something nearby visit a related business within 24 hours, and 28% of those searches result in a purchase. For Perth hospitality venues, this means that appearing prominently on Google Maps can directly drive foot traffic and increase revenue.
Why Google Maps Matters for Perth Restaurants
Google Maps is more than a navigation tool—it’s a decision‑making platform. Diners use it to discover new venues, compare options, and validate choices through photos and reviews. In Perth’s competitive hospitality landscape, where suburbs like Northbridge, Fremantle, and Leederville each have dozens of dining options, standing out on Google Maps is essential.
Data point: A 2024 BrightLocal survey found that 87% of consumers used Google Maps to find local businesses in the past year, and 67% of those users chose a business based on its Google Maps listing. If your venue isn’t optimized, you’re missing out on the majority of local discovery traffic.
Claiming and Optimizing Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is the foundation of your Google Maps presence. It’s the panel that appears when users click on your pin, and it’s the primary source of information they use to decide whether to visit.
Complete Every Section
A fully optimized GBP should include:
- Accurate NAP: Name, Address, Phone number—consistent across all directories.
- Detailed business description that incorporates keywords like “Perth restaurant,” “Fremantle café,” “family‑friendly dining.”
- High‑quality photos of your interior, exterior, dishes, and team (upload new photos monthly to signal activity).
- Regular posts about events, specials, or new menu items (Google treats these as fresh content).
- Attributes such as “outdoor seating,” “wheelchair accessible,” “vegetarian options.”
- Products or services if you offer online ordering, catering, or private dining.
Pro tip: Use the “Q&A” section to pre‑answer common customer questions (e.g., “Do you take reservations?” “Is there parking?”). This not only improves the user experience but also gives Google more relevant text to index.
Upload High‑Quality Photos
Photos are the most influential element of your Google Maps listing. Listings with professional, well‑lit images receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more clicks to your website than those with amateur or stock photos. For Perth venues, this means investing in professional food and interior photography isn’t just a branding exercise—it’s a direct revenue driver.
To see how professional photography can transform your online presence, read our case study on the ROI of professional food photography for Perth venues.
Manage Reviews Actively
Reviews are a direct ranking factor for Google Maps. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews, and respond to every review—positive or negative—within 48 hours. A thoughtful response shows Google (and potential customers) that you’re engaged and care about feedback.
According to a Moz survey, review quantity, diversity, and velocity account for 15% of local‑pack ranking factors. Aim for a steady stream of genuine reviews rather than a sudden burst that might look manipulated.
Advanced Google Maps Features for Restaurants
Beyond the basics, Google Maps offers several features that can give Perth venues a competitive edge.
Posts and Updates
Use the “Posts” feature to share time‑sensitive information like seasonal menus, event announcements, or limited‑time offers. These posts appear directly in your GBP and can include a call‑to‑action button (“Book,” “Order Online,” “Learn More”). Regular posting signals to Google that your business is active, which can improve your ranking.
Attributes and Services
Attributes like “outdoor seating,” “live music,” or “dog‑friendly” help you capture specific search queries. If your venue offers online ordering, delivery, or reservations, make sure those services are clearly listed. Google uses this data to match your business with user intent.
Menu Integration
If you have a digital menu, you can integrate it directly into your GBP. This allows customers to view your dishes and prices without leaving Google Maps, reducing friction and increasing the likelihood of a visit. For guidance on creating a mobile‑first digital menu, see our article on why PDF menus hurt your SEO and what to use instead.
The Photography Advantage on Google Maps
Google Maps is a visual platform. The photos you upload directly influence click‑through rates, dwell time, and ultimately, conversions. Professional photography does more than make your food look appetizing—it builds trust, conveys quality, and differentiates your venue from competitors using dim, amateur smartphone shots.
At Amplify Creative Lab, we combine professional food and interior photography with technical SEO expertise to ensure your images are optimized for both visual impact and fast loading. This dual approach means your Google Maps listing not only looks stunning but also performs well in Google’s Core Web Vitals—a factor that increasingly influences local ranking. Learn more about our Perth food photography services.
Common Mistakes Perth Venues Make on Google Maps
Even well‑intentioned venues can undermine their Google Maps presence with simple oversights. Here are the most frequent mistakes we see—and how to avoid them.
- Inconsistent NAP information across directories (e.g., “St.” vs “Street,” different phone numbers). This confuses Google and hurts your ranking.
- Using low‑quality or irrelevant photos (e.g., blurry interiors, outdated dishes). Poor visuals deter potential customers.
- Ignoring negative reviews or responding defensively. A professional, empathetic response can turn a negative into a positive.
- Failing to update business hours during holidays or special events, leading to frustrated customers.
- Not verifying your GBP (unverified listings have limited visibility and functionality).
For a deeper dive into local‑SEO pitfalls, read our article on 5 local SEO mistakes Perth venues are making.
Measuring Success: Tracking Your Google Maps Performance
SEO isn’t a set‑and‑forget activity. Use free tools like Google Search Console and the Google Business Profile Insights dashboard to track your performance.
- Impressions: How often your venue appears in Google Maps searches.
- Clicks: How many users click through to your website or request directions.
- Photo views: Which of your photos are most viewed.
- Review trends: The volume and sentiment of new reviews.
Set up goals in Google Analytics to track online bookings, phone calls, and contact‑form submissions that originate from Google Maps. Review this data monthly to identify what’s working and where you need to adjust your strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Dominate Google Maps?
Google Maps is a powerful, free tool that can deliver a steady stream of hungry customers to your Perth restaurant, café, or bar. By systematically optimizing your Google Business Profile, leveraging professional photography, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can rise above competitors and capture more local search traffic.
Want a professional assessment of your current Google Maps presence? Request a free Google Maps audit and we’ll analyse your GBP, photos, and reviews to identify the quick wins that will move the needle fastest.
Or, if you’re ready to upgrade your visual content, explore our Perth food photography packages designed specifically for hospitality venues.
Curious who’s behind Amplify Creative Lab? Meet Jojo, the photographer, and Stefano, the web developer, on our About page and see how we approach hospitality projects in Perth.